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Guardians of Porthaven
By Shane Arbuthnott. 2021
Key Selling Points Fifteen-year-old Malcolm Gravenhurst is about to become a Guardian to defend his city against aliens when he…
learns some disturbing truths about his family. Guardians of Porthaven offers an excellent exploration of allyship and representation featuring themes of male mental health, LGBTQ+ relationships, in-equality and equity in action. This book is perfect for fans of the Percy Jackson series or the X-Men comics. The author has long been a superhero-comics fan and wanted to explore the less glamorous consequences of having that kind of power. The story is also a subtle and timely commentary on socioeconomic disparity and the responsibilities of the wealthy and privileged. Free Discussion Guide available for download at orcabook.com.Bridge to Bat City
By Ernest Cline. 2024
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ernest Cline comes a mostly true tall tale about an unexpected friendship between…
a young girl and a music-loving colony of bats. After losing her mother, thirteen-year-old Opal moves in with her uncle Roscoe on the family farm. There, Opal bonds with Uncle Roscoe over music and befriends a group of orphaned, music-loving bats. But just as the farm is starting to feel like home, the bats&’ cave is destroyed by a big mining company with its sights set on the farmland next. If Opal and the bats can fit in anywhere, it&’s the nearby city of Austin, home to their favorite music and a host of wonderfully eccentric characters. But with people afraid of the bats and determined to get rid of them, it&’ll take a whole lot of courage to prove that this is where the bats—and Opal—belong.The Letter with the Golden Stamp
By Onjali Q. Raúf. 2024
'I can't remember how old I was when I first started collecting stamps. But I've got a whole shoebox full…
of them now.Mam used to help me collect them ... Before she got so ill that she lost her job, her friends...everything.Now it's my job to take care of her and protect her - and my little brother and sister too. But to do that, I have to make Mam a Secret. A secret no-one can ever find out about. Not even my best friends at school, or Mo, our postman. Or the stranger living in the house across the street. The one no-one has seen, but who I know is spying on us. The one I think might be Them...'Deep in the heart of Swansea, Wales, lives a small girl with some big secrets to keep. Secrets that make her one of the best actresses on the planet - because no-one would ever think that, away from school, Audrey is the sole carer for her increasingly sick mam and her two younger siblings ... or a seasoned thief.With her worlds threatened by the arrival of a mysterious, invisible neighbour, behind whose closed curtains and shut front door may lie a spy, Audrey must take matters into her own hands to save her family.Inspired by her beloved collection of stamps, her friendly neighbourhood postman (and fellow stamp collector), and her two best friends, off Audrey must go: on an adventure that will lead her to places - and hearts - she never knew existed.Celebrating the hidden army of Young Carers daily keeping their loved ones alive behind closed doors, and the everyday s/heroes that surround them, The Letter with the Golden Stamp delves into the fears and hopes of Young Carers everywhere, and the invisible sources of kindness knocking on all our doors.The Letter with the Golden Stamp
By Onjali Q. Raúf. 2024
From Onjali Q. Rauf, author of The Boy at the Back of the Class, comes another incredible story, told with…
humour and heart. Touching on the challenges navigated by children caring for loved ones at home, this story brings into focus their hardships and worries, alongside the unexpected, invisible sources of kindness which can change their lives.10-year-old Audrey has a secret. A secret no one - not her friends, her teachers, not even her neighbours - knows about. And to keep it hidden she has become one of the best actresses on the planet. As soon as she steps out of the front door, the show is on, and all the world becomes her stage! No-one would ever guess that she is a nurse and doctor for her mam, the family food shopper (and sometimes shoplifter), a medicines collector, and even bedtime-reader for her younger siblings.But when Audrey's mam gets sicker, things go from difficult to impossible. If Mam's condition doesn't improve, there's a chance the family will be separated. And so Audrey becomes determined to find a way of to get her mam the best treatment available, so that they won't ever need to be apart. The only problem is, the treatment will cost her thousands. Thousands that Audrey doesn't have.As Audrey sets about trying to make her dream for her family come true with a plan that involves her precious stamp collection, an unsuspecting postal system, and a journey all the way from Wales to London, someone else on the street embarks on a secret mission of their own. One that will alter Audrey's life - and that of her family - forever.The Letter with the Golden Stamp
By Onjali Q. Raúf. 2024
'I can't remember how old I was when I first started collecting stamps. But I've got a whole shoebox full…
of them now.Mam used to help me collect them ... Before she got so ill that she lost her job, her friends...everything.Now it's my job to take care of her and protect her - and my little brother and sister too. But to do that, I have to make Mam a Secret. A secret no-one can ever find out about. Not even my best friends at school, or Mo, our postman. Or the stranger living in the house across the street. The one no-one has seen, but who I know is spying on us. The one I think might be Them...'Deep in the heart of Swansea, Wales, lives a small girl with some big secrets to keep. Secrets that make her one of the best actresses on the planet - because no-one would ever think that, away from school, Audrey is the sole carer for her increasingly sick mam and her two younger siblings ... or a seasoned thief.With her worlds threatened by the arrival of a mysterious, invisible neighbour, behind whose closed curtains and shut front door may lie a spy, Audrey must take matters into her own hands to save her family.Inspired by her beloved collection of stamps, her friendly neighbourhood postman (and fellow stamp collector), and her two best friends, off Audrey must go: on an adventure that will lead her to places - and hearts - she never knew existed.Celebrating the hidden army of Young Carers daily keeping their loved ones alive behind closed doors, and the everyday s/heroes that surround them, The Letter with the Golden Stamp delves into the fears and hopes of Young Carers everywhere, and the invisible sources of kindness knocking on all our doors.Join Vetman, Imogen, Findlay and a whole cast of incredible bionic animals as they save animal companions everywhere from the…
evil plans of The Man With No Name - just in time for Christmas! An amazing animal adventure for readers aged 7-11 from Noel Fitzpatrick, Channel 4's SUPERVET.Vetman lives in a cottage outside a sleepy English village, where nobody realises that he's saving animals in incredible, bionic ways - except the animals themselves, of course!But trouble is brewing... because Vetman's old foe, The Man With No Name, has set up camp nearby and plans to poison dogs and cats across the land, ruining Christmas for everyone. Imogen and Findlay stumble across an injured hedgehog and take him to Vetman's door, they have no idea that they are about to embark on an important mission to save more than just their spiky new friend. Together with Vetman and his brave bionic animal clan, they must take down The Man With No Name!This is the perfect Christmas escapade for animal and adventure lovers everywhere, in a bright, fun hardback package ideal for gifting. It is Noel Fitzpatrick's first book for younger readers, following his Sunday Times Bestselling memoirs Listening to the Animals: Becoming the Supervet and How Animals Saved My Life: Being the Supervet. Black-and-white illustrations bring the story to life.The Bell Family
By Noel Streatfeild. 1954
If you love Noel Streatfeild’s Ballet Shoes, you’ll adore The Bell Family.'Well, little people, what's the news?’Meet the big, happy…
Bell family who live in the vicarage at St Marks.Father is a reverend; Mother is as kind as kind can be. Then there's all the children – practical Paul, dancing Jane, mischievous Ginnie, and finally the baby of the family, Angus, whose ambition is to own a private zoo (he has already begun with his six boxes of caterpillars). And not forgetting Esau, a surefire competitor for the most beautiful dog in Britain.Follow their eventful lives from tense auditions to birthday treats; from troubled times to hilarious escapades. The perfect Christmas gift for ballet-loving children.Includes exclusive material: In the Backstory you can find out which one of the Bell children you most resemble!Astrid, The Au-Pair From Outer Space
By Emily Smith. 2010
When Harry's mum tells him they are going to get an au pair, he isn't quite sure what it means.…
When he finds out it's a girl to help look after him and baby brother, Fred, he feels a bit suspicious. It might just be a good excuse for the school bully to tease him. However, he soon warms to Astrid when she turns up and especially when she gives him an idea that stops the bully from ever bothering him again. All the same, Harry can't help wondering why Astrid's never heard of tin openers or Coke, and how come her suitcase can move around by itself...The Accidental Diary of B.U.G.: Sister Act (The Accidental Diary of B.U.G. #3)
By Jen Carney. 2022
The third hilarious accidental diary from Billie Upton Green (don't call her BUG!)"Ideal for fans of Tom Gates, or Pamela…
Butchart's books . . . a wonderful new series" - The Week Junior"Fun, funny, inclusive and warm-hearted, these books are pure, cheery joy" - Sophie AndersonThere's an exciting addition to the Upton Green family (and it's not whatever Mr Paws has left on the living room carpet...).But getting a new little sister isn't nearly as straightforward as Billie expects. Why are there so many rules? It's been weeks and weeks, and she still hasn't been able to hold the baby up at Show & Tell.Luckily, the school musical is in full swing, giving Billie the perfect distraction. She just needs to watch out for Painy Janey, who has her eyes on the main part and doesn't care what gets in her way...Get ready for the second hilarious diary of unforgettable Billie Upton Green!OK, things just got INTERESTING. Not only is Billie's…
class learning how to P.E.E. in the classroom (seriously - don't ask), they now have some very important contacts in the TV world. Plus Billie's mums are keeping a HUGE secret and Billie is determined to figure it out!But, Billie isn't going to be distracted, it's time for B.U.G. to make it BIG!Praise for B.U.GA sparky, funny new series perfect for fans of Diary of A Wimpy Kid - Daily Mail Jen Carney knows how to make kids laugh . . . and I mean totally unreserved roll-on-the-floor belly laugh. Billie Upton Green is a firm favourite in our house - Emma Mylrea, author of Curse of the DearmadThe Accidental Diary of B.U.G. (The Accidental Diary of B.U.G. #1)
By Jen Carney. 2021
Meet Billie Upton Green and her VERY accidental diary - and don't you DARE call her B.U.G!Billie has taken the…
new girl at school under her wing. She'll teach her the important stuff - Biscuit Laws, Mrs Patterson and of course where to sneakily eat a Jaffa Cake. She might even get invited to the EVENT OF THE YEAR (Billie's mums' are getting married).But then suspicion sets in. The new girl seems VERY close to Billie's best friend Layla. And she knows a LOT about the big school heist - the theft of Mrs Robinson's purse. But, Billie is on to her. Well, as long as Patrick doesn't catch her eating biscuits first. Join Billie in this laugh-out-loud adventure! A sparky, funny new series perfect for fans of Diary of A Wimpy Kid - Daily Mail Jen Carney knows how to make kids laugh . . . and I mean totally unreserved roll-on-the-floor belly laugh. Billie Upton Green is a firm favourite in our house - Emma Mylrea, author of Curse of the DearmadThe Secret Language of Birds
By Lynne Kelly. 2024
From the award-winning author of Song for a Whale comes a poignant and heartwarming tale about a girl who discovers…
a pair of endangered birds about to lay eggs in the marshes of her summer camp...and the secret plan she hatches to help them. Nina is used to feeling like the odd one out, both at school and in her large family. But while trying to fit in at summer camp, she discovers something even more peculiar: two majestic birds have built a nest in the marsh behind an abandoned infirmary. They appear to be whooping cranes, but that&’s impossible—Nina is an amateur bird-watcher, and all her resources tell her that those rare birds haven&’t nested in Texas for over a hundred years.When Nina reports the sighting to wildlife officials, more questions arise. Experts track all the endangered birds, but they can&’t identify the female bird that Nina found. Who is she, and where did she come from?With the help of some fellow campers, Nina sets out to discover who the mystery bird really is. As she gets closer to the truth, will she find a flock of her own?This instant classic captures the coming-of-age moment of learning to spread your wings in a way you'll never forget.The Great Peach Experiment 4: Duck, Duck, Peach (The Great Peach Experiment #4)
By Erin Soderberg Downing. 2024
The fourth Great Peach book finds the family back in Duluth, Minnesota for a summer filled with mystery, competition, pie,…
and . . . the World&’s Largest Rubber Duck.School&’s out soon, and the Peaches are looking forward to some quiet, especially now that the family&’s B&B (aka the "Peach Pit") is finally running smoothly. But quiet and normal aren&’t really the Peach way. When a massive Festival of Ships sails into their town, of course the Peaches have to dive in head-first. Ships of all kinds start rolling in: pirate ships, tall sailboats, tug boats, snazzy speed boats. And the highlight of the whole show: The WORLD&’S LARGEST RUBBER DUCK. Suddenly the Peachtree B&B is sold out, and the Peaches are cooking up other tasty solutions. But then the World&’s Largest Rubber Duck goes missing! Stolen? Sunk? Airlifted by aliens? The hunt is on for the famous icon, and the Peaches are leading the search. Using all their skills—on land and water—they are determined to find the missing duck and bring it back to its home in the harbor.The fourth book in the Great Peach Experiment series, Duck, Duck, Peach serves up a major mystery along with more challenges, humor, and family mis-adventures.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard SelectionAlways Your Stepmom
By Stephanie Stansbie. 2024
A heartwarming picture book about the unique bond between a stepmother and her stepchild. I&’ll always remember the day that…
we met.We were both so uncertain and shy.The special relationship of stepmoms and stepkids is celebrated in this gentle and loving tribute to blended families. Showing joy-filled scenes of family life and milestones, this book is ideal for every child of a loving stepmother. It's the perfect way to say: "If I had been there when you learned your first words, I could never have cherished you more."Also available: Always Your StepdadAlways Your Stepdad
By Stephanie Stansbie. 2024
A heartwarming picture book about the unique bond between a stepfather and his stepchild. I&’d missed your first steps and…
your wobbly walk, But you took my whole heart in your hand.The special relationship of stepdads and stepkids is celebrated in this gentle and loving tribute to blended families. Showing joy-filled scenes of family life and milestones, this book is ideal for every child of a loving stepfather. It's the perfect way to say: "If I had been there on your very first day, I could never have treasured you more."Also available: Always Your StepmomThe Night War
By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. 2024
From the two-time Newbery Honor-winning author of The War That Saved My Life and Fighting Words comes a middle grade…
novel set at the border between freedom and fear in World War II France, at the Chateau de Chenonceau, where a Jewish girl who has lost everything but her life must decide whether to risk even that to bring others to freedom.&“We don&’t choose how we feel, but we choose how we act.&”It&’s 1942. German Nazis occupy much of France. And twelve-year-old Miriam, who is Jewish, is not safe. With help and quick thinking, Miri is saved from the roundup that takes her entire Jewish neighborhood. She escapes Paris, landing in a small French village, where the spires of the famous Chateau de Chenonceau rise high into the sky, its bridge across the River Cher like a promise, a fairy tale. But Miri&’s life is no fairy tale. Her parents are gone—maybe alive, maybe not. Taken in at the boarding school near the chateau, pretending to be Catholic to escape Nazi capture, Miri is called upon one night to undertake a deadly task, one that spans the castle grounds, its bridge, and the very border to freedom. Here is her chance to escape—hopefully to find her parents. But will she take it? One thing is certain: The person Miri meets that night will save her life. And the person Miri becomes that night could save the lives of many more.In her return to the era of The War that Saved My Life and The War I Finally Won, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley brings a new and different story, one with a mystical twist, that explores a little-known slice of World War II history, a highly unusual friendship, and the power of choosing courage even when—especially when—there are no good choices to be had."Historical fiction at its finest. [A] masterpiece . . . Readers will be wholeheartedly rewarded." —SLJ (starred review) "Poignant . . . A gripping, humane tale." —Kirkus (starred review) &“A deeply sympathetic character facing increasingly dangerous and suspenseful circumstances.&” —PW&“Engaging [and] imaginative [with] emotional weight and contemporary appeal.&” —The Horn Book &“Compelling [with] a hint of magic [that] becomes as satisfying as the whole of this fine novel.&” —BooklistSiha Tooskin Knows the Nature of Life (Siha Tooskin Knows)
By Charlene Bearhead, Wilson Bearhead. 2020
Paul Wahasaypa knows that Ena Makoochay (Mother Earth) gives us many things. On this compelling nature journey with Ena (his…
mom), we learn how strength, generosity, kindness, and humility are all shown to us by grandfather rocks, towering trees, four-legged ones, and winged ones, reminding us of the part we have to play in this amazing creation. Join Paul and Ena as they experience the beautiful nature of life.The Siha Tooskin Knows series uses vivid narratives and dazzling illustrations in contemporary settings to share stories about an 11-year-old Nakota boy.Dumplings for Lili
By Melissa Iwai. 2021
An NCTE Charlotte Huck Award Recommended Book A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year A heartfelt picture book…
celebration of food, community, and family—and little dumpling treasures from around the world. Lili loves to cook baos, and Nai Nai has taught her all the secrets to making them, from kneading the dough lovingly and firmly to being thankful for the strong and healthy ingredients in the filling. But when Nai Nai realizes that they are out of cabbage (Secret #8: line the basket with cabbage leaves!), she sends Lili up to Babcia’s apartment on the sixth floor to get some. Babcia is happy to share her cabbage, but she needs some potatoes for her pierogi. . . . What follows is a race up and down the stairs as Lili helps all the grandmothers in her building borrow ingredients for different dumplings: Jamaican beef patties, Italian ravioli, Lebanese fatayer, and more. Energized by Melissa Iwai’s engaging artwork and kinetic storytelling, Dumplings for Lili is a joyful story of sharing food, friendship, and love in all their forms.With over one million copies sold, this series of modern classics about the charming Penderwick family from National Book Award…
winner and New York Times bestseller Jeanne Birdsall is perfect for fans of Noel Streatfeild and Edward Eager.The Penderwick sisters are home on Gardam Street and ready for an adventure! But the adventure they get isn&’t quite what they had in mind. Mr. Penderwick&’s sister has decided it&’s time for him to start dating—and the girls know that can only mean one thing: disaster. Enter the Save-Daddy Plan—a plot so brilliant, so bold, so funny, that only the Penderwick girls could have come up with it. It&’s high jinks, big laughs, and loads of family warmth as the Penderwicks triumphantly return.With over one million copies sold, this series of modern classics about the charming Penderwick family, from National Book Award…
winner and New York Times bestseller Jeanne Birdsall, is perfect for fans of Noel Streatfeild and Edward Eager. Springtime is finally arriving on Gardam Street, and there are surprises in store for each member of the family. Some surprises are just wonderful, like neighbor Nick Geiger coming home from war. And some are ridiculous, like Batty&’s new dog-walking business. Batty is saving up her dog-walking money for an extra-special surprise for her family, which she plans to present on her upcoming birthday. But when some unwelcome surprises make themselves known, the best-laid plans fall apart. Filled with all the heart, hilarity, and charm that has come to define this beloved clan, The Penderwicks in Spring is about fun and family and friends (and dogs), and what happens when you bring what's hidden into the bright light of the spring sun.